Osteopath Caroline Stone has special skills in women's health, pregnancy and childbirth, breathing disorders, children and visceral osteopathy

Is Osteopathy new?
Osteopathy was developed in the late 1800's by Dr A.T Still, an American Physician, who wanted more to offer his patients to help them heal and recover, in the days before antibiotics and modern pharmaceuticals. He originally treated people for all sorts of diseases and disorders, using manual medicine to improve posture, movement, circulation, drainage and nerve function in the body thereby improving immune function and health. These days a lot of osteopaths focus mainly on mechanical pains and problems arising within the musculo-skeletal system, although some continue to see patients with such things as asthma, pelvic pain, indigestion and ear infections. The first Osteopaths came to Australia in 1908, from the USA.

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What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy uses manual techniques to help work in the physical body, structures and tissues, to help reduce pain and suffering, and to improve health. Treatment is applied throughout the body, to help improve joint mobility, muscle function, circulation, fluid drainage, nerve function, and therefore generally helping mobility, pain and comfort levels, health and overall immunity. There are lots of different techniques osteopaths can use, and your osteopath will discuss which is the most appropriate for your case. You can also discuss any preferences you might have for particular treatment styles. Osteopaths do not usually restrict their treatment simply to the site of pain, and usually treat you 'all over', to give an individualised approach to your problem, and to help prevent future recurrences.

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Who can benefit from Osteopathic treatment?
If you would usually think of seeing a physiotherapist or a chiropractor for something, then you can also consult an osteopath as well. Osteopaths do use manipulation techniques, but also use other approaches, giving them a wide range of tools with which to help you with your complaint. Some techniques are similar to massage, some involve gentle stretching of the joints, some include pressure on various points, and others are very gentle techniques using very small movements. Hence there is something suitable for all cases.

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Isn't it very expensive?
Osteopaths don't use machines like ultrasound, and do all their treatment 'hands on'. There is no need for routine x-rays (these are only usually suggested if the osteopath feels there is a medical need for further investigation). Osteopathic treatment plans are based on taking a thorough case history, and performing a physical examination. Osteopaths do not routinely suggest 3, 6 or 12 month treatment plans, and often treatment is just once a week, for a few weeks, and gradually spread out as required. Hence there is no need for a large monetary commitment upfront. Treatment plans are always individually negotiated with the patient, and are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Osteopathic treatment is most commonly sought for musculo-skeletal problems such as: Postural and/or mobility problems, Back and Neck pain, Arthritis, Joint pain, Back pain during and after pregnancy, Sports injuries, Some injuries from road and domestic accidents, RSI, Sciatica, Head pain such as: Migraine, Jaw pain, Neuralgia and tension and Headaches.

Note: there is little research evidence for osteopathy as yet, but the profession is committed to providing a strong evidence base for its practice.

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Osteopathic treatment can also help with problems such as:
Breathing difficulties, Asthma, Digestive problems, Gynaecological problems, Lowered immune response after illness. Some problems with children, such as chronic ear infections and colic in babies. Your Osteopath will always advise whether your problem is appropriate for osteopathic management or how osteopathy might help support your existing care routines.

Note: there is little research evidence for osteopathy as yet, but the profession is committed to providing a strong evidence base for its practice.

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